Amy’s return

Selkirk Parish Church held a special service on the afternoon of Sunday 8th February to welcome Amy Ward back from Guatemala. Amy had been working there for Latin Link for the past two years.

The hymns were chosen by Amy and she spoke to the congregation of her time there. She had been placed in a prison for young women and worked with them, teaching them English and music, while she also taught them about Jesus and the love of God. Many of these women and girls were members of gangs. Sadly, these are commonplace in Guatemala. Amy learned of the violence and corruption at first hand and of how dangerous life there could be.

However, Amy’s message was one of hope and of her conviction that God is present with us, something she tried to convey to the girls and women there.

After the service ended the congregation moved to the Hall where an afternoon tea had been set out and where there was an opportunity for folk to speak to Amy and to hear more of her time there. Amy was wearing a tunic and belt made for her as a gift from her friends in Guatemala and other brightly coloured goods were displayed on tables around the Hall. It was a special afternoon, welcoming back a very special person.